Rimless from Glasscages, Pro or No?

[cliscum]

I have been planning my tank for several months and had used glasscages.com as the template for my sump, fuge, and tank. I have purchased 75% of the materials and was planning to order the tank when I am now discovering that many people are unhappy with their experiences from the retailer, some children who want quality for cheap, but more concerning, well spoken individuals whom purchased large starfire tanks.

My plan was to go to the event that Glasscages will be at in January, order my tank in person, and offer them more money to give my silicon seems and beveled edge some special attention. I may even order a dimension not listed on their webpage, Rimless 48x24x20 and insist that it is a show tank at any price.

This is my fist salt water aquarium (10+ years of freshwater), and I am now learning that opinions on both Glasscages and Rimless aquariums seem to run hot.

Can anyone give me some insight on if I should make this purchase? After thinking about it for so long it may be hard for me to change directions.

-Charles

 

[mockery]

It is really hit or miss i think with them. But i found a place with better prices http://www.oceaaquariumproducts.com/Index.html">http://www.oceaaquariumproducts.com/Index.html</a>
I was quoted almost 100 less then glasscages

 

[blind1993]

if you got the money get a tank from MRC, local.

 

[cliscum]

blind1993;261837 wrote: if you got the money get a tank from MRC, local.

MRC is acrylic. I have considered Acrylic as a backup, but from my discussions with them it requires considerably more thickness (than glass) to achieve a rimless look without eurobracing. A very moderate eurobracing solves this problem, but then the I have lost the frameless aspect which I have envisioned.

-Charles

 

[blind1993]

they do glass now.

 

[cliscum]

Did not know that about MRC and glass. Their is a meeting of Atlanta SMAS on the 27th that I was planning on attending to see their facilities. I will talk with them about rimless tanks then.

Getting quite a few no's. Criticism welcome.

Anyone who is opposed to the rimless because of safety wana chime in? Experience in making tanks would be helpful.

 

[blind1993]

the only reason i said no was because there are better options than glass cages and with something rimless i would like a more reputable company, but if you actually read the threads that are hatin on glass cages you will notice most of them dont even own a tank by them.

 

[ericmcj31]

I don't own a tank of theirs, but the main complaint is customer service. Basically there is NONE after your purchase and really poor planning on thier part as far as delivery is concerned. Basically once you pick up your tank, bare in mind that it is YOURS and the warranty you get (if one at all) is worth pretty much nothing more than the paper it is printed on. There have been several good posts about them as well-but the negative tend to outweigh the positive. I'd just call them and discuss the issues that you've read-and if they seem more apt. to help you out-then give 'em a shot-it's just you're risking a lot of liability (leaks, lost livestock, etc.) on saving a couple/few hundred bucks--if it 's worth it to you, then roll the dice!

 

[jonathan]

My 120 GC rimless Starphire with black silicone turned out ok. Wasn't perfect but could have been worse. It really depends on your budget. I do not think that you can touch GCs pricing. The silicone had to be cleaned up with a razor blade. I would definitely get the starphire plass with black silicone if you can. They do tend to take more "pride" in the custom order tanks that aren't regular stock items.

See if they will do more than "clean cut and swiped" on the edges. I would have gladly paid more for polished edges. Keep in mind that you will lose 2 inches of water depth on a rimless. My 24 height is just a 22.

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Jonathan

 

[skriz]

IF you're willing to pay more, then why not just pay a reputable company more? Why chance it on GC?

 

[cliscum]

ericmcj31;261876 wrote: I don't own a tank of theirs, but the main complaint is customer service. Basically there is NONE after your purchase and really poor planning on their part as far as delivery is concerned. Basically once you pick up your tank, bare in mind that it is YOURS and the warranty you get (if one at all) is worth pretty much nothing more than the paper it is printed on. There have been several good posts about them as well-but the negative tend to outweigh the positive. I'd just call them and discuss the issues that you've read-and if they seem more apt. to help you out-then give 'em a shot-it's just you're risking a lot of liability (leaks, lost livestock, etc.) on saving a couple/few hundred bucks--if it 's worth it to you, then roll the dice!

Eric, I think you are dead on here. They are selling products with as is condition warranties. The turmoil seems to be that they do not really advertise that it is an as is sale, their are different expectations between the customer and the supplier, and the delivery operation is not conducive to rejecting the product until the delivery has taken place. If I purchase a tank from GC I will set terms to eliminate the doubt of the product. Worst case I have to use my relationship with my credit agent to refute payment and I eat shipping in both directions, a hassle I do not want to endure. -Cl

Jonathan;261877 wrote: My 120 GC rimless Starphire with black silicone turned out ok. Wasn't perfect but could have been worse. It really depends on your budget. I do not think that you can touch GCs pricing. The silicone had to be cleaned up with a razor blade. I would definitely get the starphire glass with black silicone if you can. They do tend to take more "pride" in the custom order tanks that aren't regular stock items.

See if they will do more than "clean cut and swiped" on the edges. I would have gladly paid more for polished edges. Keep in mind that you will lose 2 inches of water depth on a rimless. My 24 height is just a 22.

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Jonathan

Jonathan, really helpful comments here. As a current owner I would love to pick your brain for a bit about how you put your system together. I have no idea what you are talking about when you say that you lose 2 inches. I will have to think this one out, a 16" tank will be very short if the fill line is actually 14", and I have a 2.5" sandbed. I will send you a PM and see if I can get you on the phone for a few min in the next couple days. -Cl

Skriz;261887 wrote: IF you're willing to pay more, then why not just pay a reputable company more? Why chance it on GC?

Skriz, I am putting together a system that I have been thinking about for a long time, years. I was unaware that their were other alternatives in the Atlanta area for rimless glass starfire tanks. Thanks for pointing these out to me. If these alternatives are prohibitively expensive, then I will take a hard look at what I am considering purchasing. I want a stunning tank that will last for many years.


Have to say that I am very suprized that no one told me that rimless tanks are dangerous in principle! Makes me happy, because they are sexy looking.
Thank you to all everyone contributing to this thread, looking like I am going back to the drawing board! :d'oh:

-Charles

 

[skriz]

If built correctly, the rimless tanks are just fine.

There are many reputable companies: Aquarium obssesed, MRC, etc. They will definately charge more than GC; you'll just have to weigh which pros are more important to you.

 

[harleyguy]

<span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px">I’ll give you my personal opinion… I almost bought a GC tank, but I would not consider a rimless tank from them. I have heard of too many tanks leaking from them to risk getting something rimless. I would shop around and check with a few places like Aquarium Obsessed, or AGE. I went with Aquarium Obsessed because of all the great reviews I have read. They will do completely custom, but they may cost a little more due to shipping from Canada. Here is a link

 

[cliscum]

Harleyguy;261955 wrote: <span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px">Here is a link http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1514891">http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1514891</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri"><span style="font-size: 13px"> a rimless tank they built… pure sex…. This tank is why I love them…</span></span>[/QUOTE]

That is... wow.

 

[ericmcj31]

Cliscum;261941 wrote:

Jonathan, really helpful comments here. As a current owner I would love to pick your brain for a bit about how you put your system together. I have no idea what you are talking about when you say that you lose 2 inches. I will have to think this one out, a 16" tank will be very short if the fill line is actually 14", and I have a 2.5" sandbed. I will send you a PM and see if I can get you on the phone for a few min in the next couple days. -Cl

I'm pretty sure he's saying you can't fill them all the way (to the top like most tanks). I am not sure why, though-:doh:

 

[cliscum]

Alternative #1

Charles
Your tank 48x24x22
The front and sides 12mm starphire glass
The back 12mm regular glass
The bottom 19mm regular glass
All glass ground and polished
1 year warranty on tank
Your cost is $950 + shipping.
Send me your zip code and I will send you your shipping costs.They are going to be approx $300 and that is to your residence and unloaded in your driveway with a tailgate lift.
We require 50% deposit and the remainder just before we ship.We will not run your credit csrd until you authorize us to do so.
We have a special now if we receive your deposit by Dec 31 we will discount the tank 10% and the shipping 20%.

We will give you a discount on any Sfiligoi light or Aquatronica package ordered with this tank.

Thanks

John
Aquarium Obsessed Inc.

 

[harleyguy]

Cliscum;262056 wrote: Alternative #1

Charles
Your tank 48x24x22
The front and sides 12mm starphire glass
The back 12mm regular glass
The bottom 19mm regular glass
All glass ground and polished
1 year warranty on tank
Your cost is $950 + shipping.
Send me your zip code and I will send you your shipping costs.They are going to be approx $300 and that is to your residence and unloaded in your driveway with a tailgate lift.
We require 50% deposit and the remainder just before we ship.We will not run your credit csrd until you authorize us to do so.
We have a special now if we receive your deposit by Dec 31 we will discount the tank 10% and the shipping 20%.

We will give you a discount on any Sfiligoi light or Aquatronica package ordered with this tank.

Thanks

John
Aquarium Obsessed Inc.

Worth every cent...:up:

 

[ryanthony]

AGE, ELOS, Miracles, LeeMar or Aquarium Obsessed for Rimless = best rep/highest quality.

 

[ryanthony]

BTW - $950 for Aquarium Obsessed is about $500 less than what he quoted me (with dims approx the same) last year - and i paid about 1k more for my A.G.E....good deal.

 

[harpua2002]

I have a buddy that ordered a 60 gallon rimless cube from GC. The tank turned out beautiful, I got to see it in person before he took it home (we were working together in a Louisville shop). I've seen many of their tanks in person and have generally been impressed with build quality. JMO.